Mastectomy Vs. Lumpectomy
Mastectomy and lumpectomy are the two most common surgical responses to breast cancer. A lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue near the mass to help guarantee the removal of all traces of cancer. A mastectomy involves removing the tumor and all of the breast's healthy tissue. Often times, this remains a difficult decision for women, as each surgery has both advantages and drawbacks.
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Considerations
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When weighing your options between the two surgeries, keep in mind that lumpectomies remain a common first option treatment for many women in the early stages of breast cancer. On the other hand, even some women in the early stages prefer the more aggressive approach of a mastectomy. Of course, ultimately, a mastectomy may be required after a lumpectomy has failed to effectively treat the cancer or if the patient has multiple aggressive tumors in the region.
Benefits
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Some women prefer lumpectomies as the physical appearance of the breast remains less altered. The loss of a breast, as with a mastectomy, can spark trauma. However, mastectomy patients may elect to have breast reconstruction surgery, a type of cosmetic surgery which helps restore the appearance of the breast. Regardless, according to the Mayo Clinic, both mastectomies and lumpectomies remain equally effective in treating breast cancer.
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Types
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Lumpectomies also double as biopsies. During a lumpectomy surgeons will remove surrounding lymph nodes for analysis. Through testing they can help determine how aggressive the cancer is. Mastectomies may feature biopsies as well. Four types of mastectomies exist, with each classified according to which parts of the breast are removed. Mastectomies may include removal of all or some of the following features: breast tissue, breast skin, areola, nipple, lining of the chest muscles, chest wall and underarm lymph nodes.
Warning
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As with all surgeries, infection and bleeding remain a possible side effect of both lumpectomies and mastectomies. Following a lumpectomy, you may also experience pain, tenderness, swelling and an altered appearance in the breast region. Symptoms following a mastectomy may include shoulder stiffness and arm pain; there is also, of course, a a severely altered appearance. Post-op symptoms for both surgeries may include numbness in the lymph nodes located under your arm, as well as the development of scar tissue in the breast area.
Aftermath
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Following a lumpectomy and mastectomy, you still have to discuss a variety of options and possible further treatment. Radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy may still prove mandatory in addition to the surgery. You may also wish to discuss your plastic surgery options in order to restore the appearance of your breast. Finally, if you're still grappling with the traumatic experience, you may require counseling or group therapy.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jurek Durczak
